So I've been going at this for a couple months now. I bought a Samsung waterproof camcorder - returned it. I bought a Canon Vixia hf100 camcorder and a Canon GL2. I wasn't too thrilled with either one so I dropped the coin to get a 7D. Now I can sell my XSi and the camcorders.

Unless you're shooting off a tripod all the time get a hoodman or Zacuto eyecup that works with the LCD and get some sort of tactical rig like the Zacuto offerings. These things don't have image stabilization like regular camcorders(even with an IS lens) and it's tough to shoot just looking at the LCD itself. The eycup, rig and body itself give you 3 points of control.

I liked the results exposure wise shooting full manual over any kind of auto mode but I haven't shot that much video at this point to tell you that's the best way to go. If you're shooting wakeboarding or other sports 720p60 would probably be the best format to record to.

Thanks, Rich. The Zacuto gear looks fantastic. I don't think any other gear will fall into the budget this year though. I played around with the auto focus and found the same results filming. I just picked it up and have only filmed in the house. Spring is still a long ways away but I'm sure I'll get some snowboarding footy. I'll do a bit in 24fps,30fps and 60fps to see the differences. Thus far, I'm blown away with the camera.

+1 on the Zacuto eyecup, this vid (and the others on the page) were all shot just handheld with my T1i, looking at the LCD screen. unless it was zoomed all the way out or on a tripod, you can see how shaky it is. eyecup= must have.

The Zacuto eye piece is stupid expensive. The Hoodman is the same thing but $300 cheaper, get the red rock micro loop and your ready to rock. I have been using mine over the HVX, pretty pumped, besides all the ProRes converting. Not a big deal if you have time, if your shooting contest recaps then it is kind of a pain.

read the manuel and you will know that cam like a pro. Make sure you pay attention to your shutter speed.

I'll definitely be reading the manual. I've been using a GL2 for a little while now and opted for the highdef. What is the HDF? I plan on filming for fun. I've been wanting to more but wasn't happy with the quality of film I could take so I starting buying gear in the last few months and changing my mind about it. I'm not too keen on the jittering with this cam but having the ability to take photo and video is fantastic. I don't mind using a tri-pod or monopod either so, that's ok. I'll look into a Hoodman for the summer though.

Well that's my opinion, did my homework. Been using mine for the last few weeks for almost 8 hrs + plus a day and works well. Careful where you have your eye piece, ran into a fellow shooter and he burned his LCD screen at winter X. Just had it pointed at the sun the right way and ya. No buneo.